- Messages
- 7,130
- Location
- South of Nashville
@T. Rayville Excellent job on the watch. While the repros, as well as the original watches, had subtle variations, they all followed the same basic script. For me, to look authentic, the SOG watch must have about a 38 mm case, the Arabic numeral 5 just below "SEIKO" at the top of face, minimal text on the face, Day/Date window on the right side of the face, recessed stem at 4:00, and hands (including a second hand) that follow the same configuration as yours. Your watch ticks all of the boxes.
Also for authenticity, the watch must have an OD fabric band to which is often attached a rudimentary compass. Often the compass was worn an a separate strap. This type of compass was ok for keeping them headed in the right direction, but for pinpoint navigation, they would use a military lensatic compass.
Accuracy was necessary when calling in artillery (if in range) or bombers on known targets. They also needed pinpoint accuracy when calling in the coordinates of their NDP (night defensive position). We had to know exactly where they were (within a few meters) in the event they needed an emergency first light extraction. And, unfortunately, that would occasionally happen.
I don't remember Roger Smith from my time at FOB II (CCC), but then this picture is dated several years after I left. I do remember the names of, Snake, Squirrel and Jerry Mad Dog Shriver. Shriver was legendary among the special operations community. Unfortunately, he disappeared during a mission into Cambodia out of Ban Me Thuot (CCS). His body was never recovered.
Below is a stock photo of my reproduction SOG watch. For accuracy, I replaced the bracelet band with an OD fabric band. I believe the stock number is SNK381K1, which is the most accurate off the shelf version I could find.
Also for authenticity, the watch must have an OD fabric band to which is often attached a rudimentary compass. Often the compass was worn an a separate strap. This type of compass was ok for keeping them headed in the right direction, but for pinpoint navigation, they would use a military lensatic compass.
Accuracy was necessary when calling in artillery (if in range) or bombers on known targets. They also needed pinpoint accuracy when calling in the coordinates of their NDP (night defensive position). We had to know exactly where they were (within a few meters) in the event they needed an emergency first light extraction. And, unfortunately, that would occasionally happen.
I don't remember Roger Smith from my time at FOB II (CCC), but then this picture is dated several years after I left. I do remember the names of, Snake, Squirrel and Jerry Mad Dog Shriver. Shriver was legendary among the special operations community. Unfortunately, he disappeared during a mission into Cambodia out of Ban Me Thuot (CCS). His body was never recovered.
Below is a stock photo of my reproduction SOG watch. For accuracy, I replaced the bracelet band with an OD fabric band. I believe the stock number is SNK381K1, which is the most accurate off the shelf version I could find.
